Twice this month, uopn leaving my house and heading to my car, I have found tickets on my car for "front and rear plate not being visible. I only have the cover on the rear plate and must point out that I purchased the car from a dealership in this condition just two months ago. Can I contest these tickets? And/or Can the dealership be somehow held accountable for selling me the car this way?
You have the right to contest these tickets. However, if the vehicle was parked on the road, the tickets are likely valid. Minnesota Statute 169.79 Subd. 7 states that "it is unlawful to cover any assigned letters and numbers or the name of the state of origin of a license plate with any material whatever, including any clear or colorless material that affects the plate's visibility or reflectivity."
If the officer is claiming that it is affecting the visibility or reflectivity, it appears that this would be a violation. However, by contesting this tickets you may be able to get something worked out with the State to have one of the tickets dismissed, or to reduce the fines.
If you would like to discuss your case further, feel free to contact our office for a free initial consultation: 612-217-0077
You could contest the ticket, on the grounds you did not know it was there, or did not know it was illegal. You could complain to the dealer for the cost of the ticket, they might pay you to avoid bad publicity, but it would likely not be worth the effort to sue for the damages.
It likely is illegal based on the statute cited by the first attorney who posted herein. Even if it's illegal, you may benefit significantly from contesting the tickets. Prosecutors strike deals every day. A prosecutor may agree to dismiss one (or both) of the tickets, reduced the fines, or continue the matters for dismissal with payment of "prosecution costs" in lieu of fines. Most people mistakenly pay tickets when they can go to court and obtain better results with or without an attorney. The key is calling court administration promptly to schedule the matter for an appointment with a hearing officer or an initial court appearance. Some counties only schedule hearing officer appointments first. If the matter does not resolve before the hearing officer, then you can schedule it for court. In some counties, there are no initial hearing officer appointments. Keep in mind that you have a limited number of days to contest the tickets or pay the fines.
Disclaimer: This answer is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your circumstances, consult an attorney in your state.
